Portable cleaning machine

ABSTRACT

A CLEANING MACHINE FOR UPHOLSTERY, CARPETING, FABRICS OR THE LIKE WHICH GENERATES A FOAM FROM A CLEANING SOLUTION. THE MACHINE FIRST VACUUMS THE ARTICLE TO BE CLEANED, THEN APPLIES THE FOAM THROUGH A CLEANING HEAD WHICH INCLUDES COUNTER-ROTATING BRUSH ELEMENTS, AND THEN THE SOILED FOAM AND LIQUID ARE VACUUM FROM THE ARTICLE. THE COUNTER-ROTATING BRUSHES ARE DRIVEN BY AN ELECTRIC MOTOR IN THE HEAD. THE FOAM GENERATED IN THE MACHINE IS PASSED THROUGH A HOSE TO THE HEAD AND AROUND THE MOTOR, THEREBY COOLING THE MOTOR AND WARMING THE FOAM, AFTER WHICH THE FOAM GOES OUT THROUGH THE BRUSHES.

Sept. 21, 1971 J. F. VASSH ETI'AL 3,606,631

I PORTABLE CLEANING MACHINE Filed June 1, 1970 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 v Jill 601075: Joe J V4529 (hr! {yarn l Sept. 21, 1971 v ss ETAL 3,606,631

PORTABLE CLEANING MACHINE Filed June 1. 1970 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 l 4/ y I W I H q 4 0' mil =lm erzlom goe QVxssb ar/ @anaf J. F. VASSH ETA!- PORTABLE CLEANING mcnmn Sept. 21, 1971 Filed Jul 1e 1. 1970 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 .0 III llllll I I I I I llvllllllll r W l||||||||l|||l|||||| r Sept. 21, 1911 J. F. VASSH em 3,606,631

PORTABLE CLEANING MACHINE Filed June 1. 1970 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 0e 4 i/ass/a Karl afjmaal United States Patent 3,606,631 PORTABLE CLEANING MACHINE Joe F. Vassh, Racine, Wis, and Carl F. Yandt, La

Crescent, Minn., assignors to Von Schrader Manufacturing Co., Racine, Wis.

Filed June 1, 1970, Ser. No. 42,266 Int. Cl. A471 11/34 US. Cl. -321 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A cleaning machine for upholstery, carpeting, fabrics, or the like which generates a foam from a cleaning solution. The machine first vacuums the article to be cleaned, then applies the foam through a cleaing head which includes counter-rotating brush elements, and then the soiled foam and liquid are vacuum from the article. The counter-rotating brushes are driven by an electric motor in the head. The foam generated in the machine is passed through a hose to the head and around the motor., thereby cooling the motor and warming the foam, after which the foam goes out through the brushes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to machines for cleaning fabrics or the like by the use of a cleaning solution and which also utilizes a rotatable brush for applying the solution to the material being cleaned. An example of machines of this general character is shown in the United States Patent 3,443,272, which issued May 13, 1969, and is entitled Upholstery Cleaner.

An example of a non-portable, heavy type machine for cleaning caipets is shown in the United States Patent 3,428,985, which issued Feb. 25, 1969 and entitled Foam Generator for Rug Cleaning Machine.

An example of a cleaning brush having counter-rotating elements is shown in the United States Patent 1,7 66,- 419, which issued June 24, 1930, and is entitled Apparatus for Treating Masonry Surfaces.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION The present invention provides a portablecleaning machine for fabrics or the like and which can function as a vacuum cleaner and which also has a shampooing head containing counter-rotating brushes. An electric switch on the hand operated head can be actuated to terminate the vacuum cleaning function and commence the shampooing function. The machine includes a foam generating manifold which combines air and cleaning solution under pressure and which then generates the foam and delivers it to the cleaning head.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a cleaning head for such a machine and which has a provision for cooling the motor by the foam passing therethrough and also resulting in heating of the foam before application to the article being cleaned.

Still another aspect of the invention relates to the brush having two counter-rotating elements which are easily removed from the head and which act in an efiicient manner to clean the upholstery or the like. 1

These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will appear hereinafter as this disclosurelprogresses, reference being made to the accompanying" drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a machine made in accordance with the present invention, but with the cover removed, and also showing certain parts as being removed for the sake of clarity;

3,606,631 Patented Sept. 21, 1971 FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the machine shown in FIG. 1 with certain parts being shown as broken away, removed or in section for the sake of clarity;

FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of the machine shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, certain parts also being removed or broken away for the sake of clarity, and the view being on a reduced scale from that shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a reduced, perspective view of the machine shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, but having the cover thereon and also showing the vacuum and brush head attachments;

FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view through the head;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along line 6-6 in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along line 77 in FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a view taken generally along line 8-8 in FIG. 5 and furthermore certain parts being shown as broken away for the sake of clarity in the drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT -The cleaning machine made in accordance with the present invention includes a base frame 1 which is supported by a plurality of caster wheels 2 for movement of the machine over the floor. A liquid cleaning solution storage tank 3 is mounted centrally of the frame and has a fill pipe 4 extending upwardly therefrom by means of which cleaning solution can be poured into the tank. An electrically driven blower 5 is mounted on top of the tank and includes a housing 6 having a tangential, forwardly extending spout 7. An electric motor 8 drives the blower to draw air through an upper tube 9 (FIG. 1) and through a collecting tank T and porous filter to be described, and then forces the air through the spout 7, through an elbow member 11 and out a downwardly extending discharge pipe 12. The air discharged from the pipe 12 passes through a louvered opening 13 in the bottom of the frame. A suction intake tube 15 is communicable with the lower portion 16 of the tank T via a right angle conduit 17 (FIG. 3) which passes directly through the upper portion 18 of the tank T. The other end of the suction intake tube 15 terminates in a hose receiving opening 20 in the front end of the machine. A conventional flexible suction hose 22 (FIGS. 3 and 4) is then connected to the opening 20 in the frame a conventional cleaning nozzle 23 is attached to free end of the hose 22. In this manner, the blower 5 on the machine acts to create a suction in the tank T thereby providing a suction at the pick-up nozzle 23 so that the unit can operate as a vacuum cleaner and thereby vacuum the article to be shampooed, as will presenlty appear.

A solenoid operated shiftable valve mechanism in the form of element 30 (FIG. 2) is slideably mounted within the discharge tube 12 and is operated by a solenoid 32. When the conical shaped valve element 30 is located in the lower, open position, the machine operates as a vacuum cleaner, creating a vacuum at the nozzle 23. However, when the valve is shifted by energization of the solenoid 32, that is, when the valve is shifted to the upper, closed position against the rubber washer 33, the vacuum to the discharge tube 12 is cut off and instead the blower 5 forces the air upwardly in the passage 34 formed integrally with the elbow member 11 and into a foam generating manifold M. In this manner, the pressurized air is then forced through an air pressure conduit in the form of a small tube 35 which extends upwardly from the manifold and communicates with the fill pipe 4. This causes the interior of the solution tank 3 to be piessurized, which consequently forces the cleaning solution upwardly through another tube 38 which places the interior of the solution tank in communication with the manifold M at the upper side thereof, thereby forcing the cleaning solution from the tank into the manifold.

Stated otherwise, when the valve element 30 is closed, the blower causes pressurized air to be directed into the solution tank 3, thereby forcing cleaning solution directly into the sponge S of manifold M. Thus, the blower under these conditions provides pressurized air from passage 34 and directly to the end of the sponge via orifice 39, and also forces cleaning solution under pressure into the manifold M.

A sponge S of skeletal urethane is located in the manifold M and acts to combine the cleaning solution and air to form a cleaning foam. The pressure then forces this foam outwardly of one end 41 of the manifold M and into a tube 43. Tube 43 terminates at the front end of the housing in a receptacle opening 44. A long flexible hollow hose 45 (FIG. 4) can be locked into the receptacle.

opening 44 to receive the foam therefrom. The other end of the foam hose 45 is attached to the handle 46 of the cleaning head H. It will be noted that an electrical outlet 47 (FIGS. 1 and 2) is also provided adjacent the receptacle opening 44 and an electrical cord 48 is secured to, but insulated from the foam conduit 45. Thus in effect, a single flexible member FM containing the electrical wires and the foam hose 45 is provided between the machine frame and the cleaning head H.

The tank previously referred to at the rear end of the machine is comprised of the upper section 18 and a lower section 16 which are easily snapped together in sealing engagement with their interengaging flange members 50 and 51, and seal 52. The upper section 18 of the tank is also quickly engageable with the tubes 9 and by means of the interengaging projections 54 and 55 which face outwardly of the upper section. Suitable sealing gaskets 56 are provided around projections 54 and 55 to seal the tank with tubes 9 and 15.

Between the two tank sections 18 and 16 is a flexible cloth filter bag 53 which can be easily removed for cleaning. Thus, the lower section of the tank actually has the filter bag therein and the bottom tank collects the dust and used suds. The top section of the tank collects the loose dust. In other words, suction is drawn by tube 9 from the upper section 18, through the filter bag 53 and from the bottom tank section 16. The suction then is drawn by the tube 15 through the right angle conduit 17 passing through the upper section 18 and from the interior of the lower section 16.

A transformer 58 is mounted within the frame of the machine and is electrically connected to the electric motor of the blower. An off-on switch 60 is provided at the front of the machine for turning the motor 8 on and off. Another electrical receptacle 62 is provided adjacent the front end of the machine for receiving a conventional electrical supply cord (not shown).

Referring again to the cleaning head H, it comprises an upper casing 70 which is generally rounded at the top side for a comfortable fit of the operators hand. Thus, the operator holds the head by the means of the handle 46 and the upper and rounded end 70a of the casing. An electric, sealed motor 71 is located within the head and an electrical, three position switch 72 is provided for starting and stopping rotation of the brush motor, and also for changing from a vacuuming operation to a shampooing operation or the reverse.

The switch 72 can be shifted to energize the electric motor and thus operate the head, and it also can cause energization of the solenoid 32 thereby cutting off the vacuum to the suction hose 22, terminating the vacuum operation of the machine, and starting foam generation. In other words, when the rotatable brush means of the cleaning head, which is about to be described, is operated, the vacuum supply can also be cut off to cause delivery of foam to the head. The switch 72 can also be shifted to turn the motor of the cleaning head H off, thus stopping the brush B, the solenoid 32 then being de-energized,

permitting the valve element 30 to be open, thereby again activating the vacuum cleaning nozzle 23 of the machine.

The cleaning head includes a passage 77 that extends from the foam hose 45 to receive foam therefrom and this passage 77 directs the foam over the end of the motor 71 for cooling thereof. As well as cooling the motor and maintaining the head H cool enough for the operator to hold without discomfort, the foam passing over the motor is also heated slightly before being applied to the article to be cleaned, thereby rendering the foam more efiicient for cleaning purposes. After passing over the head of the sealed motor, the foam then passes through a discharge opening 78 and into the area 79 behind the rotatable brush means. The brush means includes an outer brush element 80 which rotates in one direction, and an inner, concentrically located brush element 81, which operates in the opposite direction. By rotating the brush elements in opposite directions, better cleaning operation is provided. The outer brush element 80 is detachably fixed to and driven through a drive ring 82 formed of plastic, and which ring has a bevelled surface 83 around its periphery which abuts against a complementary shaped bevelled shoulder 84 formed in the interior of the housing H. Thus, the bevelled surfaces provide a good bearing around the entire periphery of the brush means. The drive ring 82, fabricated from plastic, has an internal metal gear 85 rigidly fixed thereto, as by being molded therein, and this internal gear is in constant mesh with idler gears 86 and 87 which are freely rotatable in the housing on their respective posts 88 and 89, and which gears 86 and 87 are in constant engagement with a central gear 88 that is rigidly fixed to the shaft 89 of the electric motor. The outer brush element 80 is held in assembled relationship on posts 90 which extend from the drive ring. More specifically, apertures 91 in the outer brush element 80 are mounted on the posts 90 of the ring 82 and held thereon by friction engagement of the metal ring inserts 92 which are located in the apertures 91 of the brush element 80. These metal ring inserts frictionally engage the posts 88 and 89 and it is only necessary to pull element 80 off the posts in order to remove it. The inner brush element 81 is frictionally held on the end of a driven shaft 93 by means of a spring clip 93 which is located in the central aperture 94 of the inner brush element 81. Thus, the inner brush element is rotated directly by the shaft 93 which in turn is driven through reduction gears (not shown) of the motor. Brush element 81 is driven in a rotary direction opposite to that in which the outer brush element rotates. A clearance 95 is provided between the brush elements for passage of the foam.

RESUME The cleaning machine includes an electric motor driven blower which produces a vacuum for the vacuum hose so that the furniture can be vacuumed preliminarily to shampooing it. The shampooing head includes an electric switch which actuates a solenoid that in turn closes the cone shaped valve in the air pressure line, thus shutting off the vacuum, pressurizing the cleaning solution tank, and forcing air under pressure to a foam generating manifold. In this manner, the cleaning solution and air are both delivered under pressure to the foam generating manifold. The foam is then delivered to the cleaning head via a conduit and the head is easily manipulated to clean the fabric.

The head has a particular shaped passage through it which causes the foam to pass over the motor, thereby cooling the motor and warming the foam.

The brush is composed of two, concentric, counter rotating elements which are easily removable from the head, one of the elements being frictionally held on posts by means of metal washers inserted in the plastic holes, and the other central element is held in place on the post by a spring clip.

The collecting tank in the back of the unit is comprised of two interengageable and detachable sections having a readily replaceable filter bag in between them. The bottom section collects the dust and the used suds and the removable filter bag collects the loose dust.

We claim:

1. A cleaning machine comprising, a liquid cleaning solution tank, an electrically driven blower, a collecting tank, said blower having a conduit connection with said collecting tank for creating a vacuum therein, a vacuum hose extending from said collecting tank for vacuuming an article to be cleaned, an air pressure conduit extending from said blower and in communication with said solution tank, a shiftable valve mechanism in said air pressure conduit and shiftable between (1) a vacuum operative position wherein a vacuum may be created in said collecting tank and (2) an air pressurization position for pressurizing said solution tank, a foam generator having a manifold and also having a conduit connection with said solution tank for receiving solution therefrom when said solution tank is pressurized by said blower, an air conduit connection between said air pressure conduit and said foam generating manifold for supplying pressurized air to said manifold, a cleaning head including rotatable brush means, a foam hose connected between said head and said manifold for conveying foam from said manifold to said head, and an electric motor in said head for operation of said brush means thereof.

2. The machine set forth in claim 1 including, an electric solenoid for shifting said valve mechanism, and an electric switch on said head and also electrically connected to said solenoid, said switch being shiftable for actuating the head motor and also for actuating said solenoid to thereby shift said valve element to the air pressurizing position to terminate the vacuum in said vacuum hose when said head motor is operating.

3. The machine set forth in claim 1 including a passageway in said head and arranged to direct foam from said foam hose and into contact with and for cooling said electric motor and thereby warming said foam, said passage then arranged to direct said foam to said brush means for application on the article being cleaned.

4. The machine as set forth in claim 1 further characterized in that said collecting tank includes a vacuum section and a receiving section, and a flexible filter bag located between said sections, said vacuum hose being connected to said receiving section, and said conduit connection is with said vacuum section and said blower whereby said receiving section collects dirty liquid solution.

5. The machine set forth in claim *1 further characterized in that said foam generating manifold includes a sponge for receiving pressurized air and cleaning solution under pressure and generates a dry foam therefrom.

6. A cleaning machine comprising, a liquid cleaning solution tank, an electrically driven blower, a collecting tank, said blower having a conduit connection with said collecting tank for creating a vacuum therein, a vacuum hose extending from said collecting tank for vacuuming an article to be cleaned, an air pressure conduit extending from said blower and in communication with said solution tank, a shiftable valve mechanism in said air pressure conduit and shiftable between (1) a vacuum operative position and (2) an air pressurization position'for pressurizing said solution tank, an electric solenoid for actuating said valve mechanism, a foam generator having a manifold, and also having a conduit connection with siadsolution tank for receiving solution therefrom when said solution tank is pressurized by said blower, an air conduit connection between said air pressure conduit and said foam generating manifold for supplying pressurized air to said manifold, a cleaning head including rotatable brush means, an electric switch on said head and which is electrically connected to said solenoid, said switch being shiftable for actuating the head motor and also for actuating said solenoid to thereby shift said valve element to the air pressurizing position and thereby terminating the vacuum in said vacuum hose when said head motor is operating, a foam hose connected between said head and said manifold for conveying foam from said manifold to said head, and an electric motor in said head for operation thereof, said brush means including a pair of rotatable brush elements Which rotate in opposite directions, and a passageway in said head and arranged to direct foam from said hose and into contact with and for cooling said electric motor and thereby warming said foam, said passage then arranged to direct said foam to said brush elements for application on the article being cleaned.

7. The machine as set forth in claim 6 further characterized in that said collecting tank includes a vacuum section and a receiving section, and a fiexible filter bag located between said sections, said vacuum hose being connected to said receiving section, and said conduit connection is with said vacuum section and said blower whereby said receiving section collects dirty liquid solution.

8. The machine set for in claim 7 further characterized in that said foam generating manifold includes a sponge for receiving pressurized air and cleaning solution under pressure and generates a dry foam therefrom.

9. The machine set for in claim 6 further characterized in that said foam generating manifold includes a sponge 1 for receiving'pressurized air and cleaning solution under pressure and generates a dry foam therefrom.

10. A cleaning machine comprising, a liquid cleaning solution tank, an electrically driven blower; a collecting tank including a vacuum section and a receiving section, and a flexible filter bag located between said sections; said blower having a conduit connection with said collecting tank for creating a vacuum therein, a vacuum hose extending from said collecting tank for vacuuming an article to be cleaned, said vacuum hose being connected to said receiving section, and said conduit connection is with said vacuum section and said blower whereby said receiving section collects dirty liquid solution, an air 7 pressure conduit extending from said blower and in communication with said solution tank, a shiftable valve mechanism in said air pressure conduit and shiftable between (1) a vacuum operative position and (2) an air pressurization position for pressurizing said solution tank, a foam generator having a manifold, and also having a conduit connection with said solution tank for receiving solution therefrom when said solution tank is pressurized by said blower, said foam generating manifold including a sponge for receiving pressurized air and cleaning solution under pressure, and generates a dry foam therefrom, an air conduit connection between said air pressure conduit and said foam generating manifold for supplying pressurized air to said manifold, a cleaning head including rotatable brush means, a foam hose connected between said head and said manifold for conveying foam from said manifold to said head, and an electric motor in said head for operation thereof.

11. A cleaning machine for upholstery or the like and comprising, a support frame, a liquid cleaning solution tank mounted on said frame, an electrically driven blower on said frame, a collecting tank on said frame, said blower having a conduit connection with said collecting tank for creating a vacuum therein, a vacuum hose extending from said collecting tank for vacuuming the article to be cleaned, an air pressure conduit extending from said blower for receiving pressurized air from said blower, said air pressure conduit being in communication with said solution tank for pressurizing said solution tank, a shiftable valve mechanism in said air pressure conduit and having an electric solenoid for actuation of said valve element, said valve element being shiftable between (l) a vacuum operative position and (2) an air pressurization position for pressurizing said solution tank, a foam generator having a manifold, and also having a conduit connection with said solution tank for receiving solution therefrom when said solution tank is pressurized by said blower, an air conduit connection between said air pressure conduit and said foam generating manifold for supplying pressurized air to said manifold, a foam hose connected at one end with said manifold, a cleaning head including rotatable brush means and connected to the other end of said foam hose for receiving foam from said manifold, and an electric motor in said head for operation of said brush means.

12. A machine as set forth in claim 11 including an electric switch on said head and also electrically connected to said solenoid, said switch being shiftable for actuating the head motor and also for actuating said solenoid to thereby shift said valve element to the air pressurizing position and thereby terminating the vacuum in said vacuum hose when said head motor is operating.

13. The machine set forth in claim 11 further characterized in that said brush means includes a pair of rotatable brush elements which rotate in opposite directions, and a passageway in said head and arranged to direct foam from said hose and into contact with and for cooling said electric motor and thereby warming said foam, said passage then arranged to direct said foam to said brush elements for application on the article being cleaned.

14. The machine as set forth in claim 11 further characterized in that said collecting tank includes a vacuum section and a receiving section, and a flexible filter bag located between said sections, said vacuum hose being connected to said receiving section, and said conduit connection is with said vacuum section and said blower whereby said receiving section collects dirty liquid solution.

15. The machine set forth in claim 11 further characterized in that said foam generating manifold includes a sponge for receiving pressurized air and cleaning solution under pressure and generates a dry foam therefrom.

16. A cleaning machine for upholstery or the like and comprising, a support frame, a liquid cleaning solution tank mounted on said frame, an electrically driven blower on said frame, a collecting tank on said frame, said blower having a conduit connection with said collecting tank for creating a vacuum therein, a vacuum hose extending from said collecting tank for vacuuming the article to be cleaned, an air pressure conduit extending from said blower for receiving pressurized air from said blower, said air pressure conduit being in communication with said solution tank for pressurizing said solution tank, a shiftable valve mechanism in said air pressure conduit and having an electric solenoid for actuation of said valve element, said valve element being shiftable between (1) a vacuum operative position and (2) an air pressurization position for pressurizing said solution tank, a foam generator having a manifold, and also having a conduit connection with said solution tank for receiving solution therefrom when said solution tank is pressurized by said blower, an air conduit connection between said air pressure conduit and said foam generating manifold for supplying pressurized air to said manifold, a foam hose connected at one end with said manifold, a cleaning head including rotatable brush means and connected to the other end of said foam hose for receiving foam from said manifold, an electric motor in said head for operation of said brush means, an electric switch on said head and also electrically connected to said solenoid, said switch being shiftable for actuating the head motor and also for actuating said solenoid to thereby shift said valve element to the air pressurizing position and thereby terminating the vacuum in said vacuum hose when said head motor is operating, said brush means includes a pair of rotatable brush elements which rotate in opposite directions, and a passageway in said head and arranged to direct foam from said hose and into contact with and for cooling said Cir electric motor and thereby Warming said foam, said passage then arranged to direct said foam to said brush elements for application on the article being cleaned.

17. A cleaning machine for upholstery or the like and comprising, a support frame, a liquid cleaning solution tank mounted on said frame, an electrically driven blower on said frame, a collecting tank on said frame including a vacuum section and a receiving section, and a flexible filter bag located between said sections, said blower having a conduit connection with said vacuum section for creating a vacuum therein, a vacuum hose extending from said receiving section for vacuuming the article to be cleaned, an air pressure conduit extending from said blower for receiving pressurized air from said blower, said air pressure conduit being in communication with said solution tank for pressurizing said solution tank, a shiftable valve mechanism in said air pressure conduit and having an electric solenoid for actuating of said valve element, said valve element being shiftable between (1) a vacuum operative position and (2) an air pressurization position for pressurizing said solution tank, a foam generator having a manifold, and also having a conduit connection with said solution tank for receiving solution therefrom when said solution tank is pressurized by said blower, an air conduit connection between said air pressure conduit and said foam generating manifold for supplying pressurized air to said manifold, said foam generating manifold including a sponge for receiving pressurized air and cleaning solution under pressure and generates a dry foam therefrom, a foam hose connected at one end with said manifold, a cleaning head including rotatable brush means and connected to the other end of said foam hose for receiving foam from said manifold, and an electric motor in said head for operation of said brush means.

18. A cleaning machine for upholstery or the like and comprising, a support frame, a liquid cleaning solution tank mounted on said frame, an electrically driven blower on said frame, a collecting tank on said frame including a vacuum section and a receiving section, and a flexible filter bag located between said sections, said blower having a conduit connection with said vacuum section for creating a vacuum therein, a vacuum hose extending from said receiving section tank for vacuuming the article to be cleaned, an air pressure conduit extending from said blower for receiving pressurized air from said blower, said air pressure conduit being in communication with said solution tank for pressurizing said solution tank, a shiftable valve mechanism in said air pressure conduit and having an electric solenoid for actuation of said valve element, said valve element being shiftable between (1) a vacuum operative position and (2) an air pressurization position for pressurizing said solution tank, a foam generator having a manifold, and also having a conduit connection with said solution tank for receiving solution therefrom when said solution tank is pressurized by said blower, an air conduit connection between said air pressure conduit and said foam generating manifold for supplying pressurized air to said manifold, a foam hose connected at one end with said manifold, a cleaning head including rotatable brush means and connected to the other end of said foam hose for receiving foam from said manifold, and an electric motor in said head for operation of said brush means, an electric switch on said head and also electrically connected to said solenoid, said switch being shiftable for actuating the head motor and also for actuating said solenoid to thereby shift said valve element to the air pressurizing position and thereby terminating the vacuum in said vacuum hose when said head motor is operating, said brush means includes a pair of rotatable brush elements which rotate in opposite directions, and a passageway in said head and arranged to direct foam from said hose and into contact with and for cooling said electric motor and thereby warming said foam, said passage then arranged to direct said foam to said brush elements for application on the article being cleaned.

19. A cleaning machine for upholstery or the like and comprising, means for making a dry foam, a foam hose connected at one end to said means, a cleaning head including rotatable brush means and connected to the other end of said foam hose for receiving foam from said means, and an electric motor in said head for operation of said brush means, said brush means including a pair of rotatable brush elements which rotate in opposite directions, and a passageway in said head and arranged to direct foam from said hose and into contact with and for cooling said electric motor and thereby warming said foam, said passage then arranged to direct said foam to said brush elements for application on the article being cleaned.

20. The machine as claimed in claim 19 further characterized in that said means for making dry foam includes a shiftable valve for permitting foam generation, an electric solenoid for actuating said valve, and an electric 10 switch on said head and also electrically connected to said solenoid, said switch being shiftable for actuating the head motor and also for actuating said solenoid to thereby shift said valve element to a foam generating position.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,766,419 6/1930 Wertz l5-50R 2,198,322 4/1940 Von Schrader 15321X 2,844,840 7/1958 Gray 15-321 3,428,985 2/1969 Boyd 1550C 2,910,720 11/1959 Smith 15-320 WALTER A. SCHEEL, Primary Examiner C. K. MOORE, Assistant Examiner US. Cl. X.R. 15-29, R, 353 

